Page 42 of Small Town Daddy

"Yeah, well, it's good to see," Brett said, nodding towards the bear. "Looks like you've already won a prize."

"Marcus has skills," I admitted, glancing at him, his presence comforting yet electrifying.

"Always knew he had a good aim," Brett teased, winking, his tone teasing but warm.

"How's the grill treating you?" Marcus asked, shifting the focus, but not quite erasing the charged air between us.

"Busy night, but worth it," Brett replied, gesturing to the line forming beside his stall. "Gotta keep the town fed, right?"

"Right," Marcus agreed, his eyes flicking back to me, as if checking to ensure I was still there, still present in this shared moment. “And when you accidentally start a fire, you can put it out, too.”

We all laughed.

"These are on the house for the lovebirds." He winked, his hazel eyes alight with mischief. He passed us a burger each.

“Lovebirds?” I spluttered, looking anxiously left and right. “We’re not lovebirds, we’re just—we didn’t even plan to meet—this isn’t a date, is it, I just—”

“Baby girl,” Marcus said with a growl, “this is a date. And I don’t know about you, but I feel like a damn lovebird.”

My heart pounded in my chest.

“Damn,” said Brett. “I was just fooling around. You two are a thing?”

Marcus looked to me. I nodded, embarrassment burning my cheeks.

“Fuck me! How did you trick her into that?” he asked Marcus, grinning like crazy.

“Woah, woah, woah,” Marcus said. “No tricks her.”

“A likely story. Anyway, you two enjoy these.”

We took our burgers.

"Thanks, Brett," Marcus said, taking a bite with relish. His relaxed stance mirrored mine, the warmth between us palpable even among the bustling crowd.

"You're doing a great job here," I added, feeling genuine admiration. Brett had a bit of a reputation for being a bad boy. A player. But right now, he was nothing but earnest and kind.

"Just keeping busy," Brett chuckled, modesty lining his words. "Besides, it beats sitting at home, right?"

"Yeah, for sure," I agreed, savoring the tender meat. "So, any wild firefighter stories you want to share?"

"Where do I start?" Brett replied, launching into tales of daring rescues and comical mishaps. His steady voice painted vivid pictures, each story more engaging than the last.

As Brett spoke, I watched the interplay between him and Marcus. Their bond was evident, underscored by shared glances and easy laughter. It made me yearn for that sense of family, one I'd glimpsed only fleetingly since returning to Small Falls.

"Sounds like you're living quite the adventure," I said, genuinely impressed. Brett's tales were filled with heart and humor, making me feel unexpectedly at ease.

"Every day is different," Brett smiled, his sincerity shining through. "But it's not just about the action. It's the people you meet along the way."

"Like tonight," Marcus chimed in, glancing my way with a soft smile that melted something inside me.

"Exactly," Brett nodded, his gaze shifting between us. "Anyway, how about you, Lucy? How's life treating you back in town?"

"Well, it's been . . . interesting," I admitted, choosing my words carefully. "Lots of memories, lots of changes."

"Small Falls has a way of getting under your skin," Brett noted, his tone understanding. "Welcome or not."

"True," I said, thinking of the echoes of my past that lingered in every corner. But being here, with Marcus and Brett, felt different. It felt right.

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